Network: ABC
Episodes: 29 (half-hour)
Seasons: Two
TV show dates: March 2, 2016 — March 14, 2017
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Martha Plimpton, Jay R. Ferguson, Noah Galvin, Mathew Shively, Bebe Wood, and Mary Hollis Inboden.
TV show description:
This single-camera comedy takes an inside look at a seemingly perfect family whose lives take an unexpected turn when surprising truths are revealed. Instead of ruining their family, the honesty triggers a new and messier chapter where everyone stops pretending to be perfect and actually starts being real.
Eileen (Martha Plimpton), the matriarch of the O’Neal household, is highly regarded in the community for her volunteer work and fundraising skills. Eighteen years ago, an unplanned pregnancy and a shotgun wedding made a young Eileen get her act together. After reinventing herself as the perfectly put-together Catholic mom, Eileen is a little reluctant to embrace this new era of honesty and openness in her family.
A cop with the Chicago Police Department, Pat O’Neal (Jay R. Ferguson) is a regular (though inept) guy who loves his city, the Bears, and his family. After eighteen years as Eileen’s compliant husband, their separation leaves him a little less than prepared to handle life on his own as a single guy. Now that he’s independent (though living in the family basement), Pat’s has to learn to make his own decisions for the first time in his life.
Eldest son Jimmy (Mathew Shively) seems to have it all. He’s the handsome, popular star of his high school wrestling team. Though he isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, he sometimes shows surprising insight. Jimmy reveals his struggle to make his weight class has turned into an actual eating disorder. It becomes clear that all the pressure and expectations have really gotten to him.
The smart, likable, and funny middle child of the O’Neal family, Kenny (Noah Galvin) has always felt like a bit of a black sheep compared to his perfect siblings. His decision to come out of the closet spurs the chain reaction of secrets from the rest of his family to spill out as well. He’s always been his mother’s favorite but his announcement about his sexuality threatens their special relationship when it opposes her firmly held traditional beliefs.
Wise-beyond-her-years, Shannon (Bebe Wood) is the family’s youngest and brightest child but her moral compass could definitely use some recalibrating. She’s been raising money for poor children in Africa but is actually saving to buy herself a car.
As Pat’s brother’s ex-wife, Aunt Jodi’s (Mary Hollis Inboden) connection to the family is more about proximity than blood. In the midst of the fallout from the family’s secrets, this hairdresser remains loyal to the O’Neals, always happy to play the role of their number one fan and cheerleader.
Episode #29 — The Real Secrets
VP Murray is nervous to tell Pat about his plans to ask Eileen to marry him and is relieved to receive Pat’s blessing to do so. Meanwhile, Eileen and Kenny realize how far they’ve come when they help Allison deal with her close-minded parents. Shannon and Jimmy discover a pregnancy test and prepare for life with another sibling.
First aired: March 14, 2017.
What do you think? Do you like the The Real O’Neals TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a third season?
How did this show ever get on the air?
I LOVE this show. I find the family dynamic to be hilarious, and for once in a long time, the cast has such great chemistry. In this world where it’s not okay to be different, this show seems to highlight some of the big issues connected to that in hilarious ways. I look forward to watching this show every week, and I will be so so so sad if it is cancelled.
Please cancel horrid show
Please cancel this ridiculous program. It’s disgusting.
An excellent show that many families can learn from. Honesty and unconditional love, despite each other’s personal moral compass made into a great comedy. Fantastic acting as well. Keep it on!
I was just wondering why my DVR did not record the episode from the 5th. It’s set to record it weekly. I am a Catholic and enjoy this show. I find it very entertaining.
Cancel please cancel ASAP
Great show! Young gay guy is priceless!
Definitely one of the best new comedies on the networks! I certainly hope the bigots don’t get their way. Clever writing that in a humerous way examines many situations facing families today.
the fact that this show made it to TV in the first place proves the bigots got their way. But they didn’t prevail because it got its long overdue cancellation
Definitely a KEEPER. Again great writing, great references and inside jokes. If it’s makes a few people mad, you know you’re doing something right! Plimpton rocks!
Now, let’s see ABC have the balls to create a series that mocks Islam, since they have no qualms mocking Christianity. Oh, but wait, they’re probably afraid of drawing Muslim anger and having their heads sawed off.
This is the comment of the year.
The show is awesome. I’ve watched all of the first three episodes and loved them. Martha Plimpton, in particular, does a good job of showing the complexity of her character. Love the show!
To all of you who haven’t seen this show, don’t watch it. It is vulgar, and not even funny. Do yourself a favor and skip this show.
I watched it last night. It was terrible. One of the better shows abc had on this year was Blood and Oil but they cancelled it, Won’t be long before they cancel the O’Neals too. Not worth watching another episode.
Please renew I love this show.
Haven’t seen it yet, we recorded it. But we love THE MIDDLE, too!
I watched both episodes but it did not really grab me. My mind wandered a lot. Not sure if I will watch next week. I want “The Middle” back!